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Listen while you read: "All Hail The Power Of Jesus Name"1 (Lyrics) |
Mark 6:7 – Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits. (NIV)
Recently, I had to take my year-old collie, Kayley, to Whitehorse, Yukon, for her rabies and booster vaccines. Kayley gets very anxious travelling in the truck, and the two-hour trip each way is especially difficult for her. In light of this, I decided to take one of the other dogs, Sophie, with us. I knew Sophie's presence would be an encouragement and comfort to Kayley, not only in regard to travelling but also when it came to meeting with the vets. Due to COVID-19, we could not go into the clinic, nor would I be able to hold Kayley outside on the lawn, where the examination and shots would be administered. As Kayley does not know the vet very well, and she is still learning to trust strangers, I felt sure that Sophie's help would be invaluable, which it was.
I tied both the girls to two trees, so that they could sit side by side. When the vet and the vet tech came out, I moved away a good six feet and stood speaking calming to Kayley. Sophie greeted the vet and tech happily, with tail wagging, which paved the way for Kayley to respond in a positive fashion. Sophie also stayed close, without getting in the way, while the examination and the shots were given, and Kayley remained calm. Needless to say, pairing the girls made both the trip and the appointment much easier and more successful than if Kayley had had to go through things alone.
Jesus also knows that when we, as His disciples, travel through life in pairs, things go better as well. When one is tired or weak, frightened or unsure, walking together allows the other one to encourage, comfort, strengthen, guide, and offer hope and power. All these are positives as we consider that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)
In light of this, consider the person with whom Jesus has partnered you, and then ask Him to show you how you are doing as a partner. Are you seeking to be a support to them as Christ desires you to be? If so, wonderful, keep growing and going, but if not, why not, and what can you do about it to become the encourager and support that you are called to be?
Perhaps you have once had a partner, but they have moved or passed away, or their lives have gone in a different direction, and you now find yourself alone. You are feeling lonely, perhaps even abandoned. If so, do not give up hope, for God does not desire that we walk this earth alone. He is indeed always with us, but just as He knew that Adam needed an earthly partner, He knows that each one of us, as His disciples, does, too. So be of good cheer, and keep a sharp lookout, for He can be trusted to bring that person, spouse, friend, or whoever they may be, alongside us at just the right moment and in the right place.
Prayer: Father, thank You that You do send us out two by two. Bless those who have a disciple partnered with them, to be the blessing of encouragement and hope that they are meant to be, one to another. Comfort those who may have lost the one with whom they have been walking, and remind them that they are never alone and that You are working on their behalf to ensure that they will have a new walking partner at exactly the right time. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.
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Thanks Lynn. So appreciative.
Beautiful story and great reminder, Lynne! Blessings to you!
I loved this, Lynne. It is certainly true that a companion can be a great help and comfort.
Dear Lois,
I praise God for giving you beautiful words.
Keep writing.
Lynne,
Thanks for taking the time to write and post this article.
Great analogy,
(CA)
Thanks, Lynne. This caused me to think about my support of a couple of close friends.
I looked up your town to see why you had to go to Whitehorse. You really are far to the North!
Hello Lynne,
What a wonderful dog story to introduce your devotion this time. We are so thankful to have each other “to have and to hold- – – ” Might we ask who your support person is – – – or is it the many animal friends that give you inspiration to share?
I have been a reader of the daily devotionals for a number of years and I just wanted to tell you that I appreciate your devotionals so much. You use such homey examples from daily life, but then tie them in with a spiritual application. I appreciate your stories about your animals and the children in your life. Keep up the good work, and may God bless you in return.
Good Morning Lynne,
You are so smart! Not only with your devotionals that are always so thoughtful, but with your dogs. I cannot imagine a two-hour trip to the vet with our dog! In our small county we have two or three vets and Waco is 40 minutes away.
Kayley and Sophie and your other dogs are most fortunate that you are their “mother.”
Thanks again, Lynne.
Good morning Lynn,
Another good dog story. You are with your dogs like I was with my pigeons. Sorry I can’t have them anymore.
You make a good point about being together with someone, in some cases, like ours for many years, but as you wrote, whatever situation we are in, we are never alone.
Thank you for writing, and we wish you a good weekend. and especially a good Sunday.
We must always learn and relearn to trust that the Lord will work all things out for the best in the long run.
We can all learn a lot about trusting one another from our pets, who trust unconditionally as Kayley trusted Sophie and vice versa. This allowed Kayley to settle down and receive the care needed from the vet and the vet tech.
When we settle and trust the Lord we too will be at peace as we walk the path He has prepared for us.
Blessings.
Good morning Lynne,
Thank you for another special devotional. I loved your write-up about Kayley and Sophie and how Sophie was such a comfort and calming influence to Kayley through her travel and vet appointment. In our lives too, it is so helpful to have a friend, partner along with us when we face life happenings. One partner for sure that is always available to us is our loving Lord and He is ever there and ready to comfort us in whatever circumstance we face.
Many thanks for the great writings you contribute and sharing the meaningful stories of your pets.
(B.C.)
Dear Lynne,
Thank you for sharing your story about Kayley and what a wise decision you made to take Sophie along with you. Sophie sounds like a special dog who likes the vet. Our experience with vets and dogs was okay but we would not have taken a dog to the vet if they didn’t need to go even though we had a great vet.
We do need to examine our relationship with our partner from time to time because sometimes we do get disconnected and need to put a little more effort to be an encourager and supporter. It is so true that God does put people into our lives at time that serve a special purpose to help and guide us. May you have that special person in your life to walk together to encourage each other. Thank you for sharing part of your story. May you enjoy your weekend and feel God’s presence.
Thanks Lynne
I always enjoy your messages, but today’s is special! I had just been thinking, as I cleared up after breakfast, how blessed I am in my partnership with my atheist (!) husband and to still be married after so many years, despite some very real stresses especially when we were younger… and I was wondering how I’d cope without him?
But I was also thinking about a phone call I made to a very long-term friend who, unknown to me, had fallen and was in pain and in a very low state, but whose spirits lifted as we talked. How often God has prompted me to not put off, but to make that call or send that message at seemingly exactly the right time. It’s rather awe-inspiring!! And thank you for more inspiration
Blessings.
I think your message might hit home for many of us.
My dear friend and business associate appeared in my life 40 years ago. We became like sisters.
Now she is in hospital and I can’ t even talk with her. I miss her so much. She may never return home.
And yet the Lord who sent her sent 2 others to help. He does that.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Lynne, you always meet my need that lingers. I call it like being alone in a crowd, something I never expected at 95 being surrounded with family. But I talk to the Lord about it often and put it in His hands. So your words today are very helpful. God loves you and so do I.
Church out in a courtyard and on TV around the world. It will be very warm today. I could stay home but don’t want to miss my few friends who will brave it to come to church where we have to follow all of the rules.
Dear Lynne: I wept when I realized that I have had to go it alone for a long time. After my husband left me many years ago God opened the way for a good job which helped me cope with my sorrow and shock. While driving home I stopped for tea with a dear lady who put into words exactly the prayers on my heart. She strengthened me for a year. God provided a church and youth groups that blessed our family. I was given a promotion in a nearby town. To my amazement there I had four dear friends! I grew stronger in the Lord two by two. Ever since there have been similar friends. Now during the pandemic several are friends on the phone. One brings groceries and sits at the door listening to my updates. Recently she and a few others have come inside to help with emergencies, wearing masks and keeping distance. Thank God for fellowship with old and new friends. I’m 99 years old.